http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/21948
The website has pictures and lots more info. But it seems as if Cal .gov is on the people's side against the Marines in this instance, because of the work of many and the serious dedication of a few.
Betty Munson Reports on State Parks “thumbs down” on Base Expansion
May 31, 2011
By Mike Hawkins
Update from Betty Munson 5/28/11 State Parks OHV Commission Tour of Johnson Valley
If you did not get a chance to read the Johnson Valley column in the May 28 Hi-Desert Star I reprint it here:
Johnson Valley residents and property owners were invited to join a tour last Tuesday that showcased the unique Johnson Valley Open Riding Area.
The purpose was to review the proposed expansion of the Marine Base in preparation for the meeting on Wednesday of the State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, which had the expansion plans on the agenda.
Traveling in a long caravan is not our first choice, but it was worth it. The route chosen showed the visitors some of the best of the Johnson Valley wide and wild variety of terrain. We even got to a trail we had never seen before, through a rocky volcanic pass, just proving every time you go out you find something new.
Commissioners from all over the state got to ride in some Hammers-class rock crawler buggies, trailered in for the occasion. The rest of the 50+ attendees traveled in “ordinary” 4WD vehicles, with Ray Pessa’s big sand buggy taking three passengers on less rocky routes, his big American flag appearing on the skyline at the top of sandhills or appearing out of nowhere on lower trails.
1 enter Choc Thunder Betty Munson Reports on State Parks thumbs down on Base Expansion
Our first stop was at the short but grueling Hammers trail named Chocolate Thunder, where we looked down to see the rock crawlers do their stuff, going where it looks like no man could have ever gone before, navigating around and over the boulder-filled canyon floor.
The off-roaders belong to several associations, and had made this special trip during the work week, just to help show the outside world what an amazing place Johnson Valley really is. State Parks and BLM officials were there. Locals were on the scene, too. Bill Lembright of the Lucerne Valley Market and Hardware, who is an avid explorer here (in a slightly less high-tech vehicle) could not stay with the tour as he had to go back to work. Johnson Valley residents included Ken Cash, Jim Hanley, Court Prittie, Rebecca Unger and myself. The Friends of Giant Rock were on hand, Ray Pessa, Chuck Roney and Mike Hawkins. And of course, Helen and Harry Baker, our staunch supporters from the Partnership for Johnson
Valley were there.
The Commission is made up of nine members appointed by the Governor, Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly. They are charged with hearing our concerns related to off-highway vehicle recreation in California and make recommendations to the Parks OHV program.
Obviously, the eight state parks allowing OHV recreation will feel the impact of diversion of the many visitors to Johnson Valley if the Base expansion is approved.
Our thanks to Daphne Green and the State Parks staff, and to the commissioners for coming out here and for asking our opinions.
In a quick report on the Wednesday meeting, Chuck Roney wrote, “Today’s Calif. Public Parks Commission meeting in Ontario was very interesting. The Marines were there pushing hard. After a lengthy public comments session the commission voted on and passed a resolution not to approve or back the expansion of the base to the west. In fact they recommended the no action choice. The Marines packed up and went home early…”
When I circulated the story by e-mail, I got a reply from Johnson Valley resident Bob Warman, ‘Wow! Even the Taliban can’t get the Marines to “pack up and go home early.”’